This full-time school gig is no joke. It’s great and I’m LOVING it. Although I’m ashamed to admit I have not worked on a single leather item since I started school. I thought for sure I’d be able to focus on jewelry in the mornings at school and then focus on leather at the Studio at home. Ideally it would work that way. But it doesn’t.
So this past week I focused on honing my sawing, cutting and soldering skills. I’ve got a LONG WAY TO GO on the soldering but I’m doing pretty good with everything else so far. I only broke one saw blade this week! I was able to finish up a chainmaille bracelet that I had been working on for a VERY long time, finished up Charlotte (and sold her – Thanks, Meg!), and had the bright idea to list small batches of jump rings over on my etsy site. That way I get to practice with a purpose instead of making something just to melt it down and do it all over. So if you need jump rings, just let me know the size and wire gauge and I’ll be happy to oblige.
A classmate schooled me in the polishing process this past week so that was interesting. I got to bring Charlotte from a brushed finish after running her a few passes over sand paper to a high polish finish similar to a mirror. She looks GREAT! And because everything is in the name of practice, experience, and pride, I soldered on a very small jump ring near one of her ears to make sure she hung perfectly on any style necklace. I’m thinking a small gray leather cord would do the job nicely.
As with Week 1, the pictures are below for you to enjoy. And feel free to send me any ideas for new projects – I need all the practice I can get!
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